Transfer Centre

Chelsea transfer news: Defender 'facing uncertain future' under Maresca

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 04 July 2024

Defender could leave Chelsea after Maresca arrival?

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca may reportedly be open to parting ways with at least one of his English defenders during the summer transfer window.

Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell is reportedly fighting for his future at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues reportedly paid Leicester City a fee of £45m when signing the left-back in 2020, the hope being that he would eventually become a mainstay in the team.

During 2020-21, Chilwell hinted that could be the case, contributing three goals and five assists from 27 Premier League outings and making 10 appearances during the club's successful Champions League campaign.

However, three years on and the England international has racked up just 106 matches in a Chelsea shirt, providing nine goals and 12 assists.

While the numbers are impressive enough in isolation, being restricted to that amount of outings since 2020 through injury has led to Chilwell's stock at the West Londoners dropping considerably.

Chelsea's Ben Chilwell looks dejected after the match on September 24, 2023 © Reuters

Chelsea to sell Chilwell?

Last season, Chilwell accumulated just 757 minutes of football in the top flight, with Marc Cucurella starring during the run-in to regain his spot in the first XI.

Whether that will remain the case under new head coach Enzo Maresca remains to be seen, yet the performances of Cucurella at Euro 2024 for Spain have extended what is his most consistent run of form as a professional.

According to The Telegraph, there is doubt over whether Maresca retains full confidence in Chilwell to play effectively in his preferred system.

Furthermore, the Italian is said to be skeptical over whether Chilwell possesses the flexibility to be deployed in different roles.

As a result, the report suggests that Chelsea may be open to offers for Chilwell during the summer transfer window, despite the likelihood that teams will be against paying big money for his signature.

Chilwell has accumulated just 43 appearances in the Premier League across three campaigns, spending time out of the team with knee and hamstring injuries.

Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori on March 16, 2024. © Reuters

Would Chelsea replace Chilwell?

If Chilwell did leave Chelsea, it would follow the exit of Ian Maatsen to Aston Villa, with Cucurella left as the standout option on that side of the backline.

Levi Colwill is capable of deputising when required, and there are high hopes that academy player Ishe Samuel-Smith can eventually be promoted into the senior setup.

In the short term, though, Chelsea would likely require a direct replacement, with Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori one player who is said to be of interest.